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The Curse of the Mistwraith (Wars of Light and Shadow #1)

by Janny Wurts (Goodreads Author)

3.74 · Rating details · 4,400 Ratings · 201 Reviews

The stunning first volume in Janny Wurts’s epic tale of two half-brothers cursed to life-long enmity, now re-released with a striking new cover.

The world of Athera lives in eternal fog, its skies obscured by the malevolent Mistwraith. Only the combined powers of two half-brothers can challenge the Mistwraith’s stranglehold: Arithon, Master of Shadow and Lysaer, Lord of Lig ...more

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Mass Market Paperback, 830 pages

Published May 1st 2009 by HarperCollins (first published 1993)

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Dec 22, 2015 Mark Lawrence added it

The Curse of the Mistwraith is a book that had been sitting on a shelf in our bathroom for many years before I picked it up and blew off a thick layer of dust. I’d never heard of the book but I knew the author’s name well because she co-authored (with Raymond E Feist) one of my favourite fantasy trilogies, The Empire Trilogy. I’ve enjoyed a good number of other books penned by Raymondy all by himself, but I’ve always wondered how much of the magic in The Empire Trilogy came from Janny Wurts.

TCOT ...more

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Sep 27, 2009 seak rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2012

The best thing I can come up with to describe this book is that it's the most frustratingly amazing book I've ever read.

I can see why The Curse of the Mistwraith is one of those love it or hate it kind of books. It's been called overly-long, overly-detailed, and overly-descriptive, but I didn't find that to be the case. Instead, I'd go with the word 'immersive,' a word more often used to describe imagery and 3D technology.

What polarizes readers of this book/series comes down to the writing. This The best thing I can come up with to describe this book is that it's the most frustratingly amazing book I've ever read.

I can see why The Curse of the Mistwraith is one of those love it or hate it kind of books. It's been called overly-long, overly-detailed, and overly-descriptive, but I didn't find that to be the case. Instead, I'd go with the word 'immersive,' a word more often used to describe imagery and 3D technology.

What polarizes readers of this book/series comes down to the writing. This is also the reason for the "frustrating" part of my above statement. Not only is it full of details and description, the phrasing itself is complicated and the ideas expressed are, therefore, difficult to grasp the first time through. I can honestly say I've never had to reread passages as often as I have with this book.

At the same time, I couldn't imagine anything different. The writing perfectly fits the story, giving it an epic feeling, making it feel like history in the making.

Sometimes it's just a phrase framed with a negative instead of a positive and while I loved this book, I had a really hard time being forced to reread so often. It's definitely not a book to take to bed with you or for any time when you are remotely sleepy. You need full brainpower for this one.

Wurts is an incredible writer in so many ways, but what I really noticed is her ability to combine the "show don't tell" advice that's the typical writing advice with the moments when it's just better to tell. Character traits will be displayed through action or dialogue, but sometimes it's just better to tell a few things and Wurts is the master at it.

Along with the writing, the structure of the book is unique. After a short prologue, the book follows a pattern with a chapter, followed by two titled sub-chapters and then another prologue (essentially) with three lines that set up the next block of chapter/sub-chapters. The closest thing I can compare this to is Brandon Sanderson's The Way of Kings, which has set-up chapters throughout to explore the entire world and begin foreshadowing events.

Probably best compared to The Wheel of Time in terms of complexity of plot and immersion into the world, the Wars of Light and Shadow series is something full of life where if the characters don't feel like good friends, you'll at least know them just as well.

If you want a challenge along the lines of Steven Erikson's Malazan Book of the Fallen, but not quite, that will having you living and breathing in another world altogether, you're in for a treat. I'm looking forward to the next book, Ships of Merior, but if you'd asked me a week or two ago while I was in the middle of Curse, I'd probably have told you I needed a long break before diving back into this series.

4.5 out of 5 Stars

Ps. Janny Wurts is also an amazing artist who's done all the covers (new and old) of this series. Some people just have it all. :) ...more

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May 20, 2011 Carol. rated it did not like it

Recommends it for: dedicated Wurts fans

Shelves: fantasy, didn-t-finish, not-on-blog

Unfortunately, I did not enjoy Mistwraith at all. I literally was forcing myself to read 50 to 100 pages at a time, before I'd lose interest and set it down again. Had the plot been told in a more linear fashion, with less background and more actual action, I might have enjoyed it more.

The writing suffered from a disjointed structure and over-abundance of verbage. As in example, within the first twenty-seven pages of the book, we are treated to a "Prologue," written in historical fashion; a sea Unfortunately, I did not enjoy Mistwraith at all. I literally was forcing myself to read 50 to 100 pages at a time, before I'd lose interest and set it down again. Had the plot been told in a more linear fashion, with less background and more actual action, I might have enjoyed it more.

The writing suffered from a disjointed structure and over-abundance of verbage. As in example, within the first twenty-seven pages of the book, we are treated to a "Prologue," written in historical fashion; a sea rescue written from the viewpoint of a non-significant first officer; sword practice and embedded memory from the view of a prince; a chapter with an unnamed high mage and farseer; and "Fragments," which are, quite literally, three separate and incomplete sentences that reference other scenes, some of which are inconsequential but attempt to be portentous. I found it unnecessarily confusing, made even worse by a magical transport across a gate to a whole other land shortly after page 50. Yes, the half-hearted world-building that we muddled our way through in the first chapters was completely abandoned. It turns out those chapters were mostly significant for character development and politics, but unfortunately there was so little direct focus on the main characters, it was hard to get a solid feel for them.

Actually, that leads me to a second stumbling block: characterization. These princes change reactions and mood every five steps it seems, and their moodiness makes it hard to identify redeeming qualities of either. A small instance is when Lysaer was talking with Dakar, and found he was angry enough at Dakar's inquiry about not being taught about his gift of light, that he needed to try to keep from hitting something. Yet in the end of the scene, he's declining teaching from a Fellowship mage "for the greater good of Tysan" in an accepting and noble manner. Which leads me to a story-wide problem: Much of the story hinges on why Arithon is talented as Master of Shadow, a bard, and a prince, but must pursue one talent to the exclusion of all others. Likewise Lysaer can' learn more than elementary magecraft because he must be a ruler. Except that Lysaer has taught himself enough to be able to summon light on his own, and knows enough to recognize and be awed by magical acts. "A power focus," he mused in an awed whisper. We aren't told why this is so, and Lysaer's own self-taught knowledge seems to belie the thought that it is strictly a matter of time; already he's been taught duties of prince while learning magic. Even more significantly are how fast reactions change; We are constantly being told how this "seemed an impossibly cruel twist of fate" to the half-brothers, but not exactly why this is so cruel.

I found the writing seriously overwrought. There are some that praise the prose of Mistwraith, but I'll never be one of them. Almost every noun comes coupled with an adjective, and every verb an adverb, so the whole image is lost in description. Describing the base of a tower: "Here the drafts sang in dissonance through arrow loops and murder holes." A reaction to the weather--and not a plot point: "Chilled to gooseflesh as dampness hit his wet skin, Lysaer sucked in a deep breath." Reflecting on an obligation: "The ritual unleashed emotion, could and had linked participants to the depths of insight that a bond of sympathy with the subject under study became nearly impossible to deny." As singular sentences, they might be pleasing; as they contribute to focus on plot points or character, they are virtually meaningless.

The issue of verbosity transcends mere sentences to cause larger structural problems. When equal attention is given to all scenes, it lends to an uneven focus. For instance, a sorcerer discovers a meth-snake, destroys it and reports its unusual development to the fellowship. Suddenly the princes are riding furiously toward a tower but not knowing why. Once at the tower, Asandir joins the sorcerers in a trance, and the impending disaster is dealt with magically in four or five pages. It makes the feat of magic seem less significant and somewhat unimpressive.

A small peeve was the introduction of a young and willful sorceress flouting the restrictions of her order. Although it's been years since I've read The Wheel of Time, I felt like someone was channeling Jordan when she ended up with Asandir in a hayloft.

Overall, not a series I'll continue. While I enjoy the occasional epic fantasy, this one felt too messy and forced to be enjoyable and ultimately was not worth my time. ...more

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Jun 20, 2009 Stefan rated it it was amazing

Shelves: fantasy

"The Curse of the Mistwraith" took me completely by surprise. Based on (obviously mistaken) assumptions, I expected something completely different - epic fantasy, yes, but nothing even close to the gorgeous prose and astounding depth I found in this novel.

The plot of this story is hard to summarize, partly because there are so many twists and turns that it's almost impossible not to run into spoiler territory very quickly. Two half-brothers, Arithon and Lysaer, are on opposite sides of a confli ...more

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Jun 23, 2009 Jim rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2fiction, fantasy, 3series, 1paper

The first book in a sweeping epic, it sets up a complex set of worlds & yet also has a ton of action. If you're looking for something that rivals the Lord of the Rings, I think this is it. If you're looking for a quick easy read, something you can skim through - don't read this book. You'll only get confused. Every word is hand picked & polished to wring out the full meaning.

While the book is a setup to a series, it doesn't end on a cliff hanger, something I appreciate. Actually, it coul ...more

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Mar 27, 2009 Jon added it · review of another edition

Recommended to Jon by: Fantasy Book Club June 2009

Shelves: epic-fantasy, fantasy, fiction, read-in-my-40s, loved-it

5 stars

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Nov 13, 2014 Alissa rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites, read-ebooks

Reread: After the powerful ending of Stormed Fortress, considering the way the story threads converge, I was so satisfied that I had to start Initiate's Trial forthwith. And again, which wasn't easy, it was simply brilliant! This is my favorite series. It's a sweeping epic, unpredictable, featuring top-notch characterization, never lagging and wrought in gorgeous prose. I'm constantly hungry for more.

March 2015: I'm currently reading Stormed Fortress, this series is simply awesome, a fantasy jew Reread: After the powerful ending of Stormed Fortress, considering the way the story threads converge, I was so satisfied that I had to start Initiate's Trial forthwith. And again, which wasn't easy, it was simply brilliant! This is my favorite series. It's a sweeping epic, unpredictable, featuring top-notch characterization, never lagging and wrought in gorgeous prose. I'm constantly hungry for more.

March 2015: I'm currently reading Stormed Fortress, this series is simply awesome, a fantasy jewel of unique complexity and emotion of story and prose. My (totally spoiler-free) thoughts up to Peril's Gate. I'm so so so glad I've picked up Curse of the Mistwraith, and started this wondrous journey.

January 2015: Very intense and emotional epic fantasy of mature scope and depth, a book that can be experienced as a self-contained story yet it's the stage setter of a longer series, which I'm currently reading and enjoying immensely.

I loved the richly detailed and researched descriptions and the harmonic world-building, full of lore and history. Athera is a world of ancient mysteries, guarded by sorcerers and enchantresses, sundered by internal strife and molded by the fears and hopes of his inhabitants. Both the plot and the relationships between characters are deep and layered, granting unexpected twists and unpredictable turns of events, all presented with the striking vibrancy of Janny Wurts' boundless imagination and lyric style.

The story opens with a grave prologue and shows the long-lasting all-consuming hate between two kingdoms in the world of Dascen Elur, and the dictates of a five-century-old prophecy which promises restoration and disruption in another world. Two princes, apparently the embodiment of good and evil, unwittingly are entangled by the coils of fate and thrown (literally) into an epic journey of unknown consequences.

Arithon, a small, lithe man who struggles between an emphatic core that craves harmony and the expectations of others who want him to be a hero.
Lysaer, a stalwart, handsome and charming man born and breed to the crown, driven by an innate hunger for justice and looking for a purpose to cope with the loss of his birthright.
They are the only hope to free the world of Athera from the vices of the unnatural mist which covers the sun and corrupts the life on the land, but nurtured in misunderstandings and mutual hurt, the elusive balance between them is soon to tip the scale against all auguries.

My first foray into the series was with Child of Prophecy, a short story set on the world of Athera centuries earlier than Mistwraith's opening, and some names and facts sounded familiar, it was more immediate to gain reading momentum and go past the first pages where the massive context-shaping leaves the reader a little disoriented, but soon follows the first unveiling of Arithon's demeanor and Lysaer's resolve as the Sorcerers give insight of the princes duty to Athera's plight.

I'm very glad I've discovered this fantasy gem of deepest complexity and stylistic brilliance, featuring unforgettable adult protagonists, a well-rounded cast of characters and a compelling, thought-provoking tale that engaged me at every level, and had me run to grab the following book, The Ships of Merior. ...more

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Jun 11, 2010 Lorena rated it it was ok

Shelves: fantasy

I'm giving up on this one on page 307 of about 600. It's just not grabbing me. Here are my problems with it:

1. I don't understand the basis for the system of magic being used, because it's never really explained. There are long, LONG passages where you read about WHAT the mages are doing, but have no idea HOW or WHY it is supposed to work. I have no idea if the efforts being made are likely to work or not, and so the descriptions fall pretty flat as far as building dramatic tension goes. I see n I'm giving up on this one on page 307 of about 600. It's just not grabbing me. Here are my problems with it:

1. I don't understand the basis for the system of magic being used, because it's never really explained. There are long, LONG passages where you read about WHAT the mages are doing, but have no idea HOW or WHY it is supposed to work. I have no idea if the efforts being made are likely to work or not, and so the descriptions fall pretty flat as far as building dramatic tension goes. I see no basis for the conclusions characters are drawing about the magical nature of the threats they are facing, so I'm not really drawn into wondering or considering for myself whether they are correct or not. As a result, I feel very passive as a reader, not engaged intellectually.

2. The characters seem pretty cardboard. One character is Dramatic and Complicated, and you know this because...you are repeatedly told that he is Dramatic and Complicated. But I don't feel that I've actually seen enough from the character to draw this conclusion on my own. It's a case of being told, not shown. Likewise, the book keeps trying to build sympathy for another character by repeatedly bringing up the fiancee he left behind and will Never See Again. Which might be more effective if we had ever MET this fiancee back when he was in her same general geographic location (she was never mentioned until she was Left Behind). Or if she had a NAME. Or a SINGLE, IDENTIFIABLE PERSONALITY TRAIT. Or if there was A MEMORY connected to her. As it is, this anonymous person is just mentioned every now and then in an attempt to create some kind of sympathy for her alleged lover, but again, it falls flat, because there's nothing there to make us actually care about this person and no reason to feel that her lover actually cares about her, other than the fact that we are repeatedly told that he misses her. Whoever she may be.

3. The language is overly flowery and doesn't flow naturally. I have a great love for authors like Guy Gavriel Kay and Jacqueline Carey, who can write in beautiful, flowing, formal language and make it seem natural in the context of their novels, but that is a rare talent, in my experience. This attempt feels more like the author sat down with a thesaurus and referred to it for every other word in the story. It's not working for me. Also, the passive voice is used a LOT, enough that it's annoying me and pulling me out of the story.

All in all, I'm half way through and I don't care if any of the characters make it to the end of the book, let alone the end of the series 10 and a half books from now, so I'm throwing in the towel. ...more

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May 16, 2010 Jon rated it it was amazing

Recommended to Jon by: Jim

Shelves: epic-fantasy, fantasy, on-hold, fiction, loved-it, five-star-favorites

5 stars

Posting my comment to Mark Lawrence's review of The Curse of the Mistwraith here:

Thanks, Mark, for your 'honest' review. I'm a huge fan of Janny's work and have read and reread Curse multiple times because Janny doesn't hand-hold her readers like most modern authors do these days. Janny expects real intelligence, not artificial or superficial intelligence, from her audience. I would bet that if I picked up Curse of the Mistwraith and reread it I would find even more depths and layers tha ...more

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Mar 19, 2009 Chris rated it it was amazing

Shelves: wurts-wars-of-light-and-shadow, read-owned-paperback

This is a fantasy epic that is truly 'epic'. It has a bit of everything, and a lot of some things. It is not an easy/quick 'summer' read. It takes concentration, patience, and quite a bit of faith to become completely absorbed and brought along to the book's climax (actually the second one). And at that point, it scores a winning run...

This is certainly one that will inspire two things: first, that I get ahold of the rest of the series and dive into them, and second, that in time I go back and r ...more

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Apr 06, 2009 Libby rated it it was amazing

Shelves: current-recommendations, read-in-2009, fantasy-epic-and-series, favorites

Simply put, I loved this book. From the intriguing Prologue, to the turbulent climax, to the cautiously peaceful denouement, I loved this book. It was a reading experience and I am looking forward to continuing with the rest of this powerful series.

The main characters, half-brothers Lysaer and Arithon, are a living embodiment of Light and Dark in all its permutations: each always in contrast but both absolutely necessary to the other. Born on the splinter world of Dascen Elur and raised to loath Simply put, I loved this book. From the intriguing Prologue, to the turbulent climax, to the cautiously peaceful denouement, I loved this book. It was a reading experience and I am looking forward to continuing with the rest of this powerful series.

The main characters, half-brothers Lysaer and Arithon, are a living embodiment of Light and Dark in all its permutations: each always in contrast but both absolutely necessary to the other. Born on the splinter world of Dascen Elur and raised to loathe one another, Lysaer and Arithon are thrust by circumstance into the ancient world of their ancestors, Athera, where fate has decreed them to be that world’s freedom and bane. Athera is under curse of a Mistwraith and has been shrouded in fog and misery for an age. With the assistance of the Fellowship of the Seven and against the interfering powers of the Koriani, Lysaer and Arithon work to free Athera from the curse and restore the world’s royal lines.

I found this work to be especially powerful because it hits at the heart of human nature. The Wraith exploits Lysaer and Arithon’s virtues to twist them against one another. How often do we see this in the real world - virtue turned vice by circumstance where the actor is so certain he or she is right that they are compelled to carry out their purpose to completion at any cost. The book explores the theme that seeking an ultimate goal can be an ugly business. There are consequences to the disagreeable actions that often seem necessary and justified when serving the “greater good.”

My favorite aspects of Wurt’s work are the wonderful depth demonstrated in the characters, the richly imagined setting, and the beautiful and effective literary style. There is nothing one-sided or simple about the characters in this work. Each demonstrates emotional intensity, conflict, selfishness, guilt, altruism, hope – all the emotions constantly at battle in “real” people. The setting is richly imagined, detailed and intriguing. This first volume gives the reader the necessary insight and information without overloading history and backstory. Finally, I really enjoyed the style of the novel. In particular, I like how the prologue sets up the story source and the chapter design lends itself it the historical, story-telling aspect of the novel. I think the language used is poetic and dramatic without being over-the-top.

The driving force behind this book and the entire series is the author’s dedication to telling a rich, detailed story with breathtaking scope. Wurt’s prose is lyrical and enchanting; she is literally able to weave the story. Too few authors carefully craft their work in such a manner.

...more

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Mar 05, 2010 Sandra rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, favorites

ETA 2/11/2013: This is a series that builds with beautifully woven detail. It takes persistence, because there are unreliable narrators, small clues that get lost first time through, etc. But by the time I got to book 9, Initiate's Trial, I saw much more clearly how all of it is woven together. The style takes some getting used to, but after halfway through it reads like butter. (end of edit)

This may have been one of the best books I've read. It certainly has one of the most complex, intriguing, ...more

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Jul 27, 2009 Ron rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, maps

I give up. It's not often I quit a book, especially after having waded through 400+ pages (and it so highly recommended by readers I trust), but I'm going to be the odd man out on this one.

The farther I got, the less I liked it. I don't care if either prince dies or kills the other. Two-thirds of the way through they (maybe/kinda/sorta) conquered the Mistwraith, and took up trying to be kings. Paradoxically, the initiate enchantress Elaira seemed the best drawn character.

If it had been written f ...more

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Aug 06, 2010 Mike (the Paladin) rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy

This is a good book, this is a well written book, and I wish I liked it better than I do. It is well constructed, it's a well laid out world (worlds?) and the characters are filled out and "fairly" true to themselves.

I can't say that the plot or the characters are particularly original (as some reviewers have)... though to be fair, how many "really" new or original stories and characters are there? Yes, I've seen the "archetypes". There are the brothers one light one dark...caught in destiny's ...more

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Sep 08, 2012 Sandra rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy

Well, either Goodreads has changed the way you can review books, or I didn't see how to post more than one review before. I've read this one at least 3 times, I enjoyed it that much.

There are two authors whose writing is dense and difficult but in the end reveals a story both exciting and addictive - Janny Wurts and Dorothy Dunnett. I've read and reread their works and never get tired of them.

This first book of what is to be an eleven book series is the introduction to a world of wonder, and in ...more

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Jan 26, 2013 David Sven rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, started-but-didn-t-finish

I'm giving this away at 35%. I can't get past the style. It's not like its as hard or harder than reading say Erikson or Hamilton - its just boring me. At 35% I don't think I can put myself through another week of it. Which is a shame because I think the story could be quite good and I suspect the world created could be quite interesting. I like the underlying idea of the book, and I like that it's complex in world building. I really want to like this book. It's just the execution is a little wa ...more

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Jul 14, 2010 Phoenixfalls rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, fantasy-challenge, heroic-fantasy, high-fantasy, portals, female-author

If I had read just the last 50 pages of this novel I would have been quite impressed. They are wonderfully moving, reminiscent (in a good way) of the section in The Return of the King after Sauron is defeated but before the hobbits head back to the Shire.

Unfortunately, those last 50 pages are not earned by the 540 pages before. The first 540 pages were really quite bad -- not because Wurts is a poor writer, but because she is a poor storyteller. The sentence-by-sentence writing is actually quite ...more

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Jun 29, 2009 Tracy Dobbs rated it it was amazing

Shelves: books-since-1-1-9, fantasy

I have had this book for many years, since it's original American release. The story that begins in this volume has incredible depth. There is magic, there is music, there is love and friendship and companionship; finally, there is deep-seated, curse-induced hatred and war(well, closer to a genocidal campaign). This book, indeed, the series as a whole, is not an "easy" read. It is complex and challenging and worth every second that is spent reading.

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Jun 16, 2012 Allison rated it did not like it · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, own-e-book, series-complete, first-in-series, epic, sampled-not-interested

I'm not sure how I came across The Curse of the Mistwraith. It must be one of those Goodreads finds that unfortunately is not working out for me. I’ve fought to read this far, and I just can’t face it any longer. I took a break and tried to come back to it several times, only to find my determination to finish it waning with distance. Every time I try to start back up again, I get stuck. I keep trying to force myself through this one telling of the history of a sword, and it’s all very momentous I'm not sure how I came across The Curse of the Mistwraith. It must be one of those Goodreads finds that unfortunately is not working out for me. I’ve fought to read this far, and I just can’t face it any longer. I took a break and tried to come back to it several times, only to find my determination to finish it waning with distance. Every time I try to start back up again, I get stuck. I keep trying to force myself through this one telling of the history of a sword, and it’s all very momentous sounding, so I feel like I can’t skip it (I get the feeling that would be like skipping the story of the Ring in LOTR). But I just don’t care and I’m bored and I don’t like anyone, and I don’t even really know anyone after 120 pages. This weighty tale is apparently a roadblock that I don’t have the strength to pass. I need to move on.

So what is so terrible about it, you might ask. The best answer I can give is that the narrative style is too scattered and random and too much is spent on background and history without forging any connection to the present and the main characters. The characters themselves are not very likable, and I really don’t care what happens to them. The POV switches all the time, most often using minor characters such as messengers, captains, servants, etc. to provide an outside view of the main characters. How are you supposed to tell who is important when you never know whether that character will be revisited again or not? How can you grow attached to the main characters when they are only seen through vignettes showing other people’s impressions of them from afar? And when you do actually get the primary viewpoints, it doesn’t help their case much. The two brothers are not very sympathetic when you get inside their heads. I did have hope that they would change, but I just don’t have the patience and don’t care enough to find out.

On top of the lack of character appeal, the world changes about 15% into it - as in, all the effort I’ve put in to getting into this story and learning about the first world is tossed out when the two brothers are sent through a portal to another world. They are apparently stuck there permanently, and this is where the true story begins. But having to start over at this point is disastrous because I haven’t learned to care yet, and I don’t want to wade through more history and portents and legends to find out what they’re doing there and how important they’re going to be. I still don’t like them, don’t know them very well, and POVs are still switching. Instead of building my attachment to the characters and this huge thing that has happened to them, the emphasis is on portents, legends, prophecies, background. I get it already. Make me care. Make something happen now.

I almost forgot to mention the excessive use of prologues and random scenes. Every freaking chapter has its own prologue. I kid you not. The flow of the main story, if it can be called that, is completely derailed by these diversions to other people, times, places that supposedly lend import to what is about to happen hopefully sometime in the next 600 pages. Then after each prologue, we get random flashes of scenes from other people, times, places that we have no idea who or where they are or whether / why they might be important to the whole. It just adds to the boredom, increases distance from the plot and characters that you're fighting to get to know.

It makes skimming difficult because you might miss something that’s actually important. What if a viewpoint that seems random and useless ends up being critical to understanding the whole? Everything has that portentous feeling, and yet somehow feels distant and trivial and is a complete slog to get through. And did I mention there’s not much of an actual story yet?

Clearly this narrative style is not for me. ...more

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Aug 20, 2012 Lucinda rated it it was amazing

Astonishing and remarkable, this series is exceptional…

The curse of the mistwraith volume one of the wars of light and shadow opened my eyes to the greatest fantasy series of all time that is a testimony to what a dedicated, visionary writer can achieve. I was blown away by the sheer originality and creativity that was on a par with JRR Tolkien in regards to its uniqueness and vastly detailed plot that was a delight to behold. This compelling book I was unable to put down as I lost myself withi Astonishing and remarkable, this series is exceptional…

The curse of the mistwraith volume one of the wars of light and shadow opened my eyes to the greatest fantasy series of all time that is a testimony to what a dedicated, visionary writer can achieve. I was blown away by the sheer originality and creativity that was on a par with JRR Tolkien in regards to its uniqueness and vastly detailed plot that was a delight to behold. This compelling book I was unable to put down as I lost myself within its pages that were full of outstanding individuality, on such an epic scale as to overwhelm one entirely. This striking volume stands out on any bookshelf with a cover illustrated by the author herself who brings her own creation to life in full, vivid color before your very eyes. If you enjoy bloodthirsty, atmospheric battle scenes mixed with sorcery and powerful magic then the wars of light and shadow will impress you, being a concoction of Kate Elliot and Robin Hobb; it really is sword and sorcery at its very best.

Lysaer and Arithon are half-brothers brought up by mages in a world that is harsh, bloody and quite cruel. One bears the power of the light whilst the other commands the darkness; hence together they are a force to be reckoned with and battle to restore the sun captured by a Mistwraith. The sorcerers of the fellowship of the seven have more knowledge than initially meets the eye, as the two brothers hold not only their fate but that of the entire world in their hands. The harmony and balance of the world is at stake and through unity and solidarity the entire course of the future changes forever.

This gripping tale complete with maps and glossary is a book to treasure that takes this genre to exceptional new heights. The curse of the Mistwraith by a talented writer captures your imagination, taking you on a fast-paced action packed rollercoaster of a ride that maintains its momentum throughout. The truly unique, original storyline is so unpredictable as to make you want to read on, leaving you sat on the edge of your seat whilst it builds up to a striking and magnificent climax that astonishes. This is an exhilarating, thrilling read that is full of electric tension and suspense evoking the fantasy genre brilliantly with the added mixture of sorcery, magic and myth as to spark your imagination. I did not want this tale to end hence I went to then read book two of the series and continue on the journey, delving back into Janny’s world feeling as if I was back home with something so familiar and memorable. This really is a remarkable read that has left a very large hole in my heart, being something that I shall now treasure. Outstanding and origional this series is so distinctive and unique, that is a truly timeless tale. Absorbing and beautifully written many fans of other reconizable works of fiction within this genre will love the wars of light and shadow, especially those readers like myself who enjoy Raymond E Feist’s work some of which Janny Wurts is co-author of. I cannot enthuse enough about an author who shall remain one of my favorites, being full of creative vision and depth of feeling that is quite incredible.
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Jul 09, 2010 orannia rated it it was amazing

Shelves: fantasy

*SIGH* This book is one of those that grips you tightly and takes you you on a journey... The writing is lyrical but comples, with layers of nuance. But the imagery... *speechless* It's not an easy read...it takes concentration to gleam understanding and the characters (and you) are more than put through the wringer. (And yes, there are still certain characters that I want to rip apart with my bare hands.) But...this book is so worth it. It has been over a decade since I first read it and yet it ...more

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Dec 21, 2010 Chelsea rated it did not like it

Recommends it for: NO ONE

Shelves: fantasy, waste-of-money, reviewed, son-i-am-dissapoint, stew-and-tunics, fail-whale, the-worst-books

I like the *idea* behind the book, but I can't quite grasp the world she's cast it in. Like, who are these sorceresses and why do they all have a collective stick up their asses? What's with all the apostrophes? And for the high kings or whatever to have been so important, I feel like their only explanation was couched within the story of the sword.

********

I'm on my first rereading. I'm starting to grasp the plot better, and it's starting to become much easier to grasp and follow along, especial I like the *idea* behind the book, but I can't quite grasp the world she's cast it in. Like, who are these sorceresses and why do they all have a collective stick up their asses? What's with all the apostrophes? And for the high kings or whatever to have been so important, I feel like their only explanation was couched within the story of the sword.

********

I'm on my first rereading. I'm starting to grasp the plot better, and it's starting to become much easier to grasp and follow along, especially now that Our Heroes understand their missions. The fact that the author tried to make the brothers ignorant of their Destinies doesn't jive AT ALL with the fact that everyone else knows exactly who they are. The scene where Arithon's heritage is revealed to him is actually anti climatic because you KNEW it the whole time! The shock delivered to Lysaer is more believable, and I am really enjoying the parts with him at the camp.

I would like to get more into the world she built, but the act of actually having to read this thing really detracts from it. The prose is killing me. It's so elaborate and convoluted that it continually distracts me from the story and dialogue. I hope that later books in the series calm down on the flowery prose or I won't be able to finish it.

PAGE 501

Interesting things keep ALMOST happening. This whole bit with Arithon's coronation is pretty interesting, because finally, we have some distinct characters (not just different shades of the same wizard) running around doing things. Though these new characters are not really unique and well imagined, they're different than everyone else we've seen and makes them distinct. I am annoyed that Arithon keeps whining about having to be king like a martyr. Just suck it up and show some character growth! There are ways to embrace responsibility and make ones life enjoyable! I didn't like Lysaer at first, but at least he doesn't walk around complaining all damn day. I know what happens at the end of this book with the war and all, and I hope lord Coin-Bright-Golden-Head-Royal-Posture WINS!!

The author dropped a little tidbit about a royal heir living as a baker's apprentice somewhere in the woods, but veered away from it just as things were getting entertaining. I like the idea of the distinct kingdoms with distinct governing characteristics, but it's just not worth it to read this book to get the story.

*****

I give up. This goes on the unfinished pile. ...more

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Nov 11, 2016 Arkadeb rated it really liked it

Shelves: fantasy, 2016, fantasy-bingo-2016

This book was like a solid dose of nostalgia for me. An old-style epic-high magical world with magic left and right, mages and high mages, legendary creatures - so Tolkienesque and yet not Tolkienesque. In fact there is quite a bit of stuff that can act as a critical commentary of Tolkien

If this book has one fault, it is that its a bit too slow. But that is understandable. I felt like 70% of this book was setup for the future series. Meanwhile there is some meticulous worldbuilding and painstaki ...more

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May 13, 2016 Nick (freshfiction.com) added it

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Apr 03, 2017 John rated it really liked it

I would have sworn that I had reviewed--or at least rated--this book back when I first read it in 2009, but apparently not. I would further have sworn that I rated it three stars and that my primary complaint was an overabundance of exposition. And considering it was first published in 1993, that wouldn't have been a particularly rare flaw in a book of its time--fantasy as a genre was just coming into its own--Robert Jordan had just started publishing his series, and A Game of Thrones was still I would have sworn that I had reviewed--or at least rated--this book back when I first read it in 2009, but apparently not. I would further have sworn that I rated it three stars and that my primary complaint was an overabundance of exposition. And considering it was first published in 1993, that wouldn't have been a particularly rare flaw in a book of its time--fantasy as a genre was just coming into its own--Robert Jordan had just started publishing his series, and A Game of Thrones was still a few years down the road, with the Malazan Book of the Fallen not out until the late '90s.

But I've come back to this first book of The Wars of Light and Shadow now in 2017 thanks to a book club read here on Goodreads. I took an extra month or two to finish it compared to the book club, but so it goes, and I'm reading it with the benefit of having read the subsequent volumes, and knowing where the series is going, I was prepared to read it in a different way. Seeing all the things that this novel sets up, there's a richness that I didn't recognize on my first reading of the series. There's a lot going on in this novel that doesn't really bear fruit until later in the series.

But I didn't feel, this time, that the problem was too much exposition. Instead, it was more subtle than I could have realized on a first read. Now, there's still a sense in which you could say the novel is overwritten: Wurts has a prodigious vocabulary, and not only is she not afraid to use it, at times she seems almost afraid of not using it. But ultimately this is a stylistic choice, and a perfectly valid one. In fact, it's arguably the choice that best aligns with the world she's creating: a world that at it's best is imbued with a deep richness, a magical world that, at least when human beings and wraiths aren't mucking it up, is filled to overflowing with meaning and magic.

Wurts is a unique voice in fantasy with a vision that--though a reader will not see it all here--is as rich and significant as anything in the genre. ...more

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Feb 15, 2012 Martin Davey rated it really liked it

Another author who doesn't seem to get the recognition she deserves is Janny Wurts. When I see her name on a book I know I'm going to get wonderful writing, a compelling plot and some truly memorable characters and scenes.

I've only scored this book a four because of my own impatience in reading it. An impatience I think a lot of people might have felt when reading it and in many ways I guess it was a difficult book to write. Anybody drawn to this series already knows how this book ends. I know I ...more

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Jul 27, 2011 Katy Budget Books rated it it was amazing

Maryann says: The Mistwraith has blanketed the world in dank fog for five centuries. But those who believe the Mad Prophet's words keep faith that a descendant of the long ago banished high kings will come from another world to defeat it. . .

Arithon, the son of a pirate-king, has been trained to be a Master of Shadows but his hearts desire is to be a bard. Crown-prince Lysaer has been denied the teaching needed to skillfully wield his powers of light, but is schooled in way of politics and lead

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Nov 02, 2012 Susan rated it it was amazing

It is very hard to do justice to a book I find so amazing. This isn't the first time I've read it and it probably won't be the last. And that, to me, is one of the biggest reasons why it gets five stars. There isn't anything I don't like.
The rhythmn of Ms Wurt's writing captures me from page one; a lyricism to the prose I find compelling. I never have to question who or what or where, because, simply, I am there with the characters.
The story itself is the beginning of a fairly long series follow ...more

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Jan 26, 2013 Lee rated it it was ok

Shelves: given-up-on, fantasy

Ahhh, damn it. I really wanted to like this. I was so looking forward to reading it after loving Empire series.

I rally don't know how to explain what it is that this story lacks. It has the potential for a great story, but I just could not care about the characters. In fact it wasn't that i didn't care, i just couldn't be bothered with them. Both of the main characters were bland and went through the story like they had nothing better to do.

There was no effort in giving the reader anything to ...more

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Jul 01, 2009 Grimward rated it it was amazing

Am re-reading it now with the rest of the series (to-date) under my belt, and appreciating the different perspective I have on it!

In particular, Morriel seems much more introspective and empirical (read: almost human!)than on my previous reads. The captain of the headhunters' league, Pesquil, stood out more as well, and whether I just didn't give him due attention or my focus was elsewhere, his dialogue gave me an angle to the Tal Quorin sequence that I don't recall previously.

The book ages well ...more

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About Janny Wurts

Janny Wurts is the author of War of Light and Shadow series, and To Ride Hell's Chasm. Her eighteen published titles include a trilogy in audio, a short story collection, as well as the internationally best selling Empire trilogy, co authored with Raymond E. Feist, with works translated into fifteen languages worldwide. Her latest title in the Wars of Light and Shadow series, Initiate's Trial, cul Janny Wurts is the author of War of Light and Shadow series, and To Ride Hell's Chasm. Her eighteen published titles include a trilogy in audio, a short story collection, as well as the internationally best selling Empire trilogy, co authored with Raymond E. Feist, with works translated into fifteen languages worldwide. Her latest title in the Wars of Light and Shadow series, Initiate's Trial, culminates more than thirty years of carefully evolved ideas. The cover images on the books, both in the US and abroad, are her own paintings, depicting her vision of characters and setting.

Through her combined talents as a writer/illustrator, Janny has immersed herself in a lifelong ambition: to create a seamless interface between words and pictures that will lead reader and viewer into the imagination. Her lavish use of language invites the mind into a crafted realm of experience, with characters and events woven into a complex tapestry, and drawn with an intensity to inspire active fuel for thought. Her research includes a range of direct experience, lending her fantasy a gritty realism, and her scenes involving magic crafted with intricate continuity. A self-taught painter, she draws directly from the imagination, creating scenes in a representational style that blurs the edges between dream and reality. She makes few preliminary sketches, but envisions her characters and the scenes that contain them, then executes the final directly from the initial pencil drawing.

The seed idea for the Wars of Light and Shadow series occurred, when, in the course of researching tactic and weapons, she viewed a documentary film on the Battle of Culloden Moor. This was the first time she had encountered that historical context of that brutal event, with the embroidery of romance stripped from it. The experience gave rise to an awakening, which became anger, that so often, our education, literature and entertainment slant history in a manner that equates winners and losers with moral right and wrong, and the prevalent attitude, that killing wars can be seen as justifiable solutions when only one side of the picture is presented.

Her series takes the stance that there are two sides to every question, and follows two characters who are half brothers. One a bard trained as a master of magecraft, and the other a born ruler with a charismatic passion for justice, have become cursed to lifelong enmity. As one sibling raises a devoted mass following, the other tries desperately to stave off defeat through solitary discipline and cleverness. The conflict sweeps across an imaginary world, dividing land and people through an intricate play of politics and the inborn prejudices of polarized factions already set at odds. Readers are led on a journey that embraces both viewpoints. The story explores the ironies of morality which often confound our own human condition - that what appears right and just, by one side, becomes reprehensible when seen from the opposite angle. What is apparently good for the many, too often causes devastating suffering to the nonconformist minority. Through the interactions between the characters themselves, the reader is left to their own discretion to interpret the moral impact of events.

Says Janny of her work, "I chose to frame this story against a backdrop of fantasy because I could handle even the most sensitive issues with the gloves off - explore the myriad angles of our troubled times with the least risk of offending anyone's personal sensibilities. The result, I can hope, is an expanding journey of the spirit that explores the grand depths, and rises to the challenge of mapping the ethereal potential of an evolving planetary consciousness... explore free thought and compassionate understanding."

Beyond writing, Janny's award winning paintings have been showcased in exhibitions of imaginative artwork, among them a commemorative exhibition for NASA's 25th Anniversary; the Art of the Cosmos at Hayden Planet ...more

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Other Books in the Series

Wars of Light and Shadow (10 books)

Books by Janny Wurts

Warhost of Vastmark (Wars of Light & Shadow, #3; Arc 2 - The Ships of Merior, #2)

The Ships of Merior (Wars of Light & Shadow, #2; Arc 2 - The Ships of Merior, #1)

Keeper of the Keys (The Cycle of Fire, #2)

Fugitive Prince (Wars of Light & Shadow, #4; Arc 3 - Alliance of Light, #1)

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“An illusion threatens no one with harm. Neither can it be dispelled by armed force.” — 10 likes

“All things were formed of energy, arrangements of bundled light that were subject to natural law. The awareness of this truth, defined to absolute perfection, granted the mage-trained their influence. To know a thing, to encompass its full measure in respect was to hold its secrets in mastery. Life-force was the basis of all power.” — 3 likes

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